CHARNWOOD Arts will be welcoming some big names to Loughborough this half term when they launch their young people’s festival “Read Me, Write Me, Draw Me, Tell Me” from May 28 to June 1.

Writers, artists and performers – all leaders in their fields - will be gathering in Loughborough for an exciting week of literary, artistic, and craft workshops in what is thought to be one of the first such festivals in Leicestershire.

Two nationally known figures have agreed to be patrons of the festival - author Alison Moore, shortlisted for last year’s Man-Booker Prize and artist Shona Kinloch, renowned sculptor and creator of Loughborough’s distinctive Sock-Man.

And the famous names don’t end there. TV and radio star, poet, writer and comedian John Hegley – once called “one of the funniest men alive” by Adrian Mitchell – will be leading a workshop called ‘Writing and Drawing a Wheelbarrow’.

A spokesman said; “This will be a playful time with some rhyme and not a lot of reason. Everybody will go home with a little book which they can photocopy, sell and make their fortune with! An Edinburgh Festival regular, John Hegley is noted for his exploration of such diverse topics as glasses, dog hair, potatoes and handkerchiefs so wheelbarrows should be no problem!”

The illustrator of the award winning Horrible Science series is the multi-talented artist and cartoonist Tony de Saulles. In his workshop ‘How to draw Horrible Science’, he will not only be giving loads of horrible cartooning tips while you sketch but also teach you how to bring a lavatory to life and why a 17th Century scientist ate his own sick.

A spokesman said: “If you like drawing the disgusting and illustrating the inexpressible, this fun family cartoon-drawing workshop is for you!”

For the youngest age group, Dawn Powell (author of “We’re Going On A Bear Hunt”) will be telling tales to make you shiver, giggle and gasp. Rachel Scanlon will be showing the 7-11s not only how to make puppets but how to put them into a story and a play. And if you’re aged 9-16, top author Bali Rai will be showing you “How To Write A Ghost Story”!

Other events include ‘Mista Mojo’s Marvelous Mobile Magic School’, ‘Hand Shadow Puppets’ with Drew Colby, ‘Origami Box’ with Ruth Singer, ‘Giant Comic Strip’ with James Parsons and a whole day of workshops and performances with Lydia Towsey and Tim Bombdog.

A spokesman said: “The whole week is packed with fun for all ages, from three to 16, depending on the workshop.”

For full details, contact Emily Gill at Charnwood Arts on 01509 821035 or e-mail emilyho3c@charnwoodarts.com or check the Charnwood Arts website at www.charnwoodarts.com

Workshop places are limited and can be booked at www.bookwhen.com/charnwoodarts